Delta Air Lines made its second booking this month for new widebody aircraft as it works to update and expand its global route network. The value of its order for 16 Airbus A330-900s and 15 A350-900s was not announced but could be worth up to $6.5 billion based on list prices for those two models. The total combines new orders with 10 previously acquired options, and it adds 20 new options for future widebody aircraft orders.
The delivery schedule for Delta’s new aircraft was not announced.
“As we grow our international footprint and prepare our fleet to serve expanded long-haul markets, these aircraft will enhance our capabilities and elevate our premium offerings,” stated Delta CEO Ed Bastian said.
Earlier in January Delta made an estimated $17-billion commitment to update its widebody fleet with up to 60 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
The airline has long preferred Airbus models. Currently its fleet includes over 500 jets of all models. It has a total of 232 narrow-body and 85 widebody aircraft on order with Boeing and Airbus for future deliveries.
“Delta’s renewed confidence in both the A330neo and the A350 is a testament to our enduring partnership and the excellence of the Airbus widebody family performance,” stated Airbus EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry. “These aircraft offer the range, capacity, and premium cabin experience Delta requires to grow into new markets and connect more of the world.”
The latest investment in new Airbus jets also includes dozens of Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 and Trent XWB-84-EP engines to power the twin-engine aircraft.
